Adhairc Sgeaboist

I called in at a house in Skye today on my way to Plockton and got the chance to take a photo of the Skeabost Horn or Adhairc Sgeaboist. It was donated as a shinty trophy by Duncan Macleod of Skeabost in 1926. 

It is a replica of Rory Mòr Macleod's drinking horn. The original was made in 1590 according to the inscription on the replica, but some believe it dates to the 10th century and has Norse features. The original was made of ox horn.

I well remember frequently seeing the original in Dunvegan Castle as a boy. My uncle ran a coach tour company from Kyleakin and I often accompanied him as he did his regular weekly run to Dunvegan Castle with tourists.  The story goes that when the chief of the clan Macleod reached the age of manhood he had to quaff the contents of the horn (about 2 pints) in one go. When I visited the Castle I was told it was filled with claret for the late John Macleod of Macleod when he reached the age of 21. I think he found it difficult to continue with proceedings after the deed was done.